Overview
Choose your reading level:
In plain language
ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is a lab-made peptide of 11 amino acids based on a small part of erythropoietin (EPO), the hormone that tells the body to make red blood cells.
Researchers designed it to keep EPO's tissue-protective effects without increasing red blood cells. It has been tested in small human trials for nerve pain, especially in sarcoidosis and diabetes. It is still investigational and not FDA-approved.
For students
Cibinetide (ARA-290) is an 11-residue peptide (about 1,257 Da) derived from helix B of erythropoietin, with an N-terminal pyroglutamate. It does not activate the classical EPO receptor homodimer that drives red-cell production.
Instead, it targets the proposed "innate repair receptor," a complex of the EPO receptor with the beta-common receptor (CD131), which is linked to anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective signaling. Small randomized trials in sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy and in painful diabetic neuropathy reported improvements in symptoms and in corneal nerve fiber measures.
For researchers and instructors
Mechanism. Helix B surface peptides were designed after observations that EPO protects tissues at concentrations distinct from those needed for erythropoiesis. Binding to EPOR–CD131 heteromers is proposed but not universally accepted.
Human evidence. Phase 2 studies (generally small, weeks-long) reported changes in neuropathic symptoms and corneal confocal microscopy endpoints. No large confirmatory trial has established efficacy.
Pharmacokinetics. Very short plasma half-life (minutes), with effects reported to outlast exposure, a point that remains mechanistically unresolved.
Status. Investigational; not FDA-approved.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 11
- Molecular weight
- ~1,257.3 Da
- Formula
- C₅₁H₈₄N₁₆O₂₁
- Sequence
- pGlu–Glu–Gln–Leu–Glu–Arg–Ala–Leu–Asn–Ser–Ser
Origin and history
The hormone EPO raises red blood cells but also protects tissues. In 2008 Michael Brines and Anthony Cerami showed the two effects could be separated, designing ARA-290 from one surface of EPO (helix B) to keep the protection without raising blood counts.
Cerami, who had earlier discovered the inflammation signal TNF, developed it through Araim Pharmaceuticals. Small trials in nerve pain from sarcoidosis and diabetes followed. It is not approved.
Key people
- Michael BrinesAraim Pharmaceuticals
- Anthony CeramiDiscovered TNF; co-developed ARA-290
Timeline
- 2008
EPO-derived protective peptides described
- 2010s
Trials in small-fiber neuropathy
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Phase 2 randomized trials explored small-fiber neuropathy, including in sarcoidosis and type 2 diabetes.
Registration and enrollment are not proof of benefit; check study results directly.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
Investigational; not FDA-approved.
This profile is educational and does not provide treatment, dosing or sourcing guidance.
Sources
- PubMed literature search: ARA-290 / Cibinetide
- PubChem compound search: ARA-290 / Cibinetide
- Brines et al. 2008, PNAS
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: ARA-290 / Cibinetide
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). ARA-290 / Cibinetide: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/ara-290-cibinetide.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy